Did you get the discontinuance notice in the mail? Sometimes those notices cross in the mail with your submission. Since you submitted the SAR7 before the end of the month, they should be able to rescind the discontinuance and restore your benefits. You might not get them on your normal payment date, but you should still get December benefits eventually after they process your form. Definitely call and keep trying to reach someone. If you can't get through by phone, go in person and bring proof that you submitted the form on BenefitsCal. They can see the timestamp of when you uploaded it.

UPDATE: I finally got through to someone at the office! For anyone who has this problem in the future: 1. They confirmed my SAR7 was in their system but hadn't been processed yet 2. The worker did a "rescission" right while I was on the phone 3. My December benefits will be released but will be delayed about 3-5 days from my usual payment date 4. They noted in my file that I submitted before the end of the month so my case stays open Such a relief! The worker said they're really backed up processing forms right now, so anyone who uploads anything should always call to make sure it gets processed quickly, especially if it's something time-sensitive like a SAR7.

i work wtih homeless clients and see this CONSTANTLY. It's not just phones - I've seen them discontinue for verifying small amounts in Cash App, Venmo, or asking for receipts for things people bought months ago. The system is absolutely DESIGNED to create barriers. Your friend should file for a hearing AND submit the verification. But here's the truth - even after he fixes this, they'll find something else to question in a few months. Tell him to DOCUMENT EVERYTHING. Save every receipt, every letter, take notes during phone calls with date/time/worker name. The county workers have impossible caseloads so they look for any reason to close cases and reduce their workload. It's disgusting but that's how the system operates now.

Update: I talked to my roommate and helped him understand what probably happened. We're putting together documentation about his phone today, and he's going to try to visit the office in person tomorrow morning. I'm also going to help him write a statement explaining that he misunderstood the verification requirement. Thanks everyone for the advice - I'll let you know what happens after he talks to them!

kings county is the WORST with handling these cases! my sister had her benefits stolen last year and they made her jump through so many hoops. keep calling every single day and document EVERYTHING. write down who you talk to, date and time. if they deny your claim (they probably will the first time), immediately file for a state hearing. thats the only thing that worked for my sister. good luck!!!!

Small update on EBT theft procedures - as of January 2025, California implemented some new protocols for Cash Aid theft claims. Kings County should be following these: 1. All counties now have dedicated EBT theft investigators 2. They must provide a written acknowledgment of your theft report within 5 business days 3. They must make a determination within 30 days (though emergency replacements can happen much faster) 4. They must provide information about free legal aid if your claim is denied If you're having trouble reaching Kings County by phone, you can also email them at KingsCATheft@kingscounty.gov (this is their dedicated theft report email) or visit the office in person. Sometimes in-person visits get faster results for urgent situations like benefit theft.

I work with CalWORKs recipients, and this is a situation I see frequently. Here's what you need to do: 1. Contact your worker immediately and request form CW 2186A (Request for CalWORKs Exemption) 2. Schedule an appointment with your son's doctor to complete the form, explaining that he needs to document full-time care requirements 3. Submit this documentation BEFORE your WTW orientation if possible 4. If timing doesn't work out, attend the orientation but inform them you've applied for a caregiver exemption 5. Request your case be put on hold until the exemption determination is made Also, keep in mind that caring for a disabled family member can be challenging, so ask about supportive services like IHSS (In-Home Supportive Services) if you haven't already applied. This program might provide payment for some of the care you provide to your adult son.

To answer your follow-up question - yes, IHSS can work alongside CalWORKs, but there are some important things to know. IHSS payments received for caring for your disabled adult son would count as income and could reduce your Cash Aid amount. However, the total between both programs is typically more than CalWORKs alone. Additionally, IHSS income may qualify you for an earned income exemption that lets you keep more of your benefits. It's worth looking into because it provides more stable long-term support, especially since CalWORKs has the 48-month lifetime limit.

The county offices are TERRIBLE about following their own rules. They just want to kick as many people off as possible to save money! Your sister should absolutely file for a fair hearing IMMEDIATELY. Don't wait! And document EVERYTHING. Take screenshots, save emails, write down names and times when she talks to workers. The system is designed to frustrate you until you give up. I was wrongfully denied CalFresh TWICE before I finally got a fair hearing and won. The judge was shocked at how badly they messed up my case.

One more important thing: if your sister gets her CalFresh reinstated (which she should!), she might qualify for a higher amount than before. When someone receives both CalWORKs and CalFresh, their CalFresh amount is typically lower because Cash Aid counts as income. Now that she's not getting Cash Aid, her CalFresh should actually INCREASE to help compensate for that lost income, assuming her other income and expenses remain the same.